Espresso Machine - Starbucks' Via Venezia?

At $280, it seems fairly reasonable, but I don't want to spend that much on a machine that still doesn't make good espresso. I already own a good conical burr grinder, so the fact that it uses pods as well as ground coffee is a plus for me.

Can someone give advice to a coffee lover who appreciates good espresso, but not how to pick a machine? I want that beautiful, rich crema without spending $800. I don't think a stovetop moka pot is going to give me what I'm looking for.